Let the applications begin …
On Aug. 28, Centre Wellington councillors approved the MacDonald Trust Fund application and guideline templates as part of the process for funding requests from the community.
“We’ve tried to keep things simple, although we felt there needed to be some framework,” said Brian Detzler, managing director of community services.
In 2016 the township received a $3.43-million gift from Jack R. MacDonald that must be used for projects that will have a long-term positive impact in Elora.
MacDonald’s father, Frederick MacDonald, was born in Elora in 1885.
Jack R. MacDonald was born on May 5, 1915 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and moved to Seattle, Washington with his family at the age of three.
Jack R. MacDonald began donating to the Elora Arena Building Fund in memory of his late father and continued donating to Elora until his death in 2013.
At that time, he bequeathed money to the community in his will.
In 2016, Centre Wellington approved using $1.8 million for accessibility improvements at the township administration offices, reconstructing the Victoria Street Bridge for pedestrians, and public realm improvements to West Mill Street.
Council decided to use the remaining $1.5 million for projects/ideas proposed by the community.
“In keeping with council’s direction, it is open to all to apply for projects and/or programs benefitting the geographic area of the village of Elora,” stated Detzler.
He added, “There are no limits to the amount of money which can be asked for.”
While there is a set amount within the fund, “in the application process there is no maximum or minimum amount … ”
In theory, an applicant could ask for the full amount of the remaining trust fund.
Detzler stressed whatever is proposed must be legal and once funding is received, the township will require the successful applicant(s) to ensure they can deliver the project, meet timelines and provide recognition to the trust fund.
Guiding principles set out by council include:
– projects must be open and accessible to all citizens, based in the former village of Elora and have a significant positive impact on the quality of life for residents;
– projects should serve/enhance clearly identified community needs not already adequately addressed by another organization, be it government, corporate or private;
– applicants should have demonstrated/documented support from other sources;
– projects should be financially viable and sustainable (as demonstrated through operating/capital budgets); and
– council may grant consideration to entities that do not meet all the criteria, but are unique and fulfill a specific need in the community.
“Other than that, it has been kept open,” said Detzler, who noted people have been asking about the guidelines.
He said the township’s Community Services Advisory Committee has offered to be part of the application vetting process.
An application form must be received by the township on or before Jan. 31, 2018 at 2pm. The application is to identify the need for the funding and the intended use of the funds.
The Community Services Advisory Committee will review applications as part of the preliminary evaluation process.
That evaluation will be reviewed by councillors at a committee of the whole session.
Detzler said applications would be reviewed using the following measures:
– legal viability of project/program/service;
– fiscal accountability through operating/capital budget specific to proposal;
– administrative accountability;
– perceived economic impact;
– merit and achievement;
– community service and participation;
– responsiveness to existing/future community need; and
– degree of accessibility within community.
Detzler said the process is also open for delegations regarding the applications.
“I would suggest that based on early discussions, there is a lot of excitement here and there are going to be such requests to the committee regarding applications.”
Detzler said the flip side is that there will be a tight time frame once the applications come in.
“Hopefully this captures council’s direction without making it restrictive.”
He pointed out applications can be made from throughout Centre Wellington, even though the projects remain limited to the geographic area of Elora.
Councillor Kirk McElwain was pleased council may approve projects that may not meet all the criteria.
Councillor Fred Morris said what needs to be remembered with MacDonald’s generosity is that projects should not only benefit the immediate future, but as far into the future as possible.
Detzler said that is very much recognized without using the word “legacy.” He agreed the sustainability of a project will certainly be taken into account.
Councillor Stephen Kitras asked how the application process will be marketed.
Township communications coordinator Kendra Martin explained that pending approval, a number of tactics will be used to provide information to the public.
Council approved the application and guidelines to receive funding requests from the trust fund.
